In a statement before the National Assembly about the armed robbery, Mr. Thabane said the Deputy Director of Postal Services (DDPS) has been mandated with ensuring the security of the pensions, including their transportation to the different pay centres in the country.

The Minister assured the House that the Ministry would ensure that there is enough security at the old age pay centres premises until the last person has been paid. 'If the money has to be  transported from Maseru the day before, we will make sure that the armed forces provide enough security, watch it overnight if need be,' he said.

Government had embarked on the pension pay out scheme fully aware of the challenges involved in the whole process. Even countries which had been involved in pension payouts for longer, such as South Africa, experienced similar problems.

Government was in the meantime trying to identify secure venues that could be used as additional pay centres to reduce long queues and overcrowding on payment days.

Eighty-eight thousand Maloti was stolen by six armed men from the Motsekuoa post office n February 1.

07 February 2005